What to put on your RTW Packing list, and what not to.

Regarding what not to put on your RTW packing list – the answer is “everything you own” – carrying half of your bedroom around Africa can be a painful experience and I should know because this is exactly what I did on my first trip around the world.

In fact, for many years I made the same mistake and had absolutely no idea in terms of what the best way to put together a RTW packing list, or how much easier it would have made my trip has I chosen to find out. Basically, I realized that when you pack your bag, you don’t need at least half of what you are taking with you and nowadays, to make my trip more enjoyable, I consult a round the world packing list website to ensure I have the right gear with me.

However, while I am still no expert on what not to bring with me, there are a few items I never leave home without:

Don’t forget these on your RTW Packing list

Go Pro

The first time I bought a Go Pro was when I realized the genius way to capture footage when you don’t necessarily want people to see you doing so. A go pro is tiny in terms of things to take backpacking, and very discreet when capturing locals in a busy area.

Paracord

They fold up really small and they always come in handy. When my backpack fell of the back of a truck near Machu Picchu, the paracord was a lifesaver. I managed to wrap it around the bag until it sealed everything back in, but essectially they are multi-purpose which is why you should take one with you.

Need somewhere to hang the washing?

Down Pillow

Tired of trying to keep your sweater up against the airplane window? A pillow makes sleeping comfortable, period. Not to mention, it can be used on a bus, in a dirty hostel, camping…you get the idea.

Pac safe lock

Facts are, when you travel there is always the chance that an opportunist will be lurking around at some point. A pac safe is the most convenient and safest way to keep your valuables safe.

For more ideas on what to take on a round the world trip, I believe this here is the best RTW packing list

Uncharted Traveller

See the bald ginger head on the left? That would be mine. I’m Derek. I started travel writing many years ago but got caught up along the way, working for the man in the real world. However, I grew tired of staying in the one place all the time and decided to leave conventional living behind for good. Since then, I have been travelling the world with absolutely no plan, other than to go any place that looks interesting. It may sound simple, but that’s because it is, when you want it to be.

Just south of the Arctic circle lies a magical island - the land of fire and ice, the ever mesmerizing Iceland. Iceland in winter is a very different place to Iceland in summer. Sub-zero temperatures, bone-chilling winds and harsh conditions are prevalent, but the photographic rewards are accordingly immense.